Ramona Davis

At POWER since 2002
Starting position: POWER Connection Mentor
Current position: POWER Connection Mentor Supervisor

Ramona Davis has been sharing her gifts with clients, colleagues, CYF, and other providers for nearly 20 years. She came to POWER as a mentor; now she leads former clients as they train the next generation of mentors.

What Ramona’s Colleagues Say

POWER Connection Program Manager Lisa Penn says it best. “Ramona is the GOAT.”

“She’s pleasant and even tempered. She’s not judgmental and is able to accept people completely. The people she leads feel prepared, supported and empowered. Her peers look to her for sound advice. She understands the human aspect of addiction and easily applies the science of it in her conversations with CYF (i.e. reducing stigma and explaining the “how’s and why’s and what’s” to help caseworkers work with their families in a more humane and knowledgeable way). She’s reliable and constant, true to her word.”

Lisa says she has learned a lot from Ramona over the last two decades.

“I’ve learned to listen more and say less. I’ve learned that if I’m more organized and structured than it’s really less work—if you stay ready, you don’t have to get ready. I’ve learned to get more information before I make a decision, to ask questions to gain perspective. I’ve also learned life lessons about being a better partner and mother.”  

Who Inspires Ramona

While there is much to be said about how Ramona influences others, her response when asked about her own inspirations is immediate and concise. “My God and my children.”

Lisa Penn

At POWER since 2004
Starting position: POWER Connection Supervisor
Current position: POWER Connection Program Manager

Lisa Penn has been a steady figure in POWER for nearly 18 years, removing barriers for clients and advocating for her colleagues.

What Lisa’s Colleagues Say

Clinical Director Kara Hall says her favorite thing about Lisa is her sense of humor.

“Lisa fully embodies the mission and culture of POWER. She is always friendly, welcoming, and helpful for anyone who is new or visiting POWER. Everyone at CYF absolutely loves her and if you try to go anywhere with her in public (pre-pandemic) you have to be prepared that she knows absolutely everyone, and EVERYONE wants to say hi and chat with Lisa. She looks out for everyone, always asking her colleagues how they are doing if they are ok. “

POWER Connection Supervisor Ramona Davis says Lisa is one of her heroes and a great role model.

“She’s been in my life for a very long time. She has guided me, pushed me, hugged me, and, I know, loved me every step of the way.”

POWER Connection Susanne Forquer appreciates Lisa’s calming presence.

“She does a great job of reminding us to ‘breathe’ and take care of ourselves. She is a wonderful collaborator and knows exactly who to call when there’s a barrier to be addressed.” 

Who Inspires Lisa

Lisa’s maternal grandmother, Laura (Roach) Colbert, is a fount of inspiration. She is described as loyal, empathetic, selfless, and spiritually grounded. Ms. Colbert’s was also the first African American graduate of Mount Mercy College (now Carlow College), a classically trained pianist, and the mother of 8 children who were all groundbreakers in their own professional endeavors.

Cynthia Wright-Jones

At POWER since 2003
Starting position: Mentor
Current position: Central Intake Specialist

Cynthia Wright-Jones is a strong advocate for POWER’s Mission and is proud to have been able to grow with POWER throughout her 19 years of ongoing employment. As a Mentor and Mentor Trainer, she provided guidance and support to her clients and POWER colleagues. Now, as a Central Intake Specialist, she is the voice of comfort when people struggling with addiction call for help.

What Cynthia’s Colleagues Say

When faced with challenges, Lisa Childers asks herself, “What would Cynthia do?”

“Cynthia has always been a great person to bounce ideas off of, is a great resource, and her positive interactions with clients appear effortless.”

Cynthia taught Lisa to look for the ‘Mentoring moment’, the best time to provide feedback to clients, and how to do so in a positive way. 

“Cynthia has a way with clients that makes them immediately receptive. Cynthia is always calm and inspiring in her interactions. Watching her client interactions made me want to be like her as a Mentor. Cynthia is dedicated to POWER and the clients we serve.”

Who Inspires Cynthia

Her daughter Shakina is an inspiration because she has accomplished so much over her lifetime thus far: obtained a Master’s Degree, bought a home, and is a great mother to twins. Shakina is supportive of Cynthia in everything she does and is always willing to help those in need. Cynthia says she and her daughter have always had a close relationship, even during difficult times.

Cynthia is also inspired by POWER CEO Rosa because she is approachable, supportive to all, has an open door policy, and truly listens to colleagues.

POWER Mentor Stephanie learned Becky* wasn’t attending outpatient therapy as part of her addiction treatment because of transportation issues. Becky said she didn’t understand the bus system and didn’t feel comfortable riding the bus alone for the first time.

As a woman in long-term recovery herself, Stephanie understands the importance of building a solid foundation in the early stages of recovery. She knew Becky’s chances of success would be much better if she could continue her treatment with a therapist trained to deal with trauma and substance use disorders.

Stephanie was committed to helping Becky find a workable solution.

She helped Becky research the bus lines she would need to take to get to therapy. She secured two bus tickets for the initial trip and ensured Becky would have ongoing access to Port Authority passes.

Then, together, Becky and Stephanie boarded a bus bound for POWER New Day. After a successful one-hour trip to therapy, the pair finished the day with another hour-long bus ride home.

According to Stephanie’s supervisor, “This is a perfect example of how POWER Mentors help women in recovery overcome barriers to treatment by coordinating services, transferring skills, and instilling confidence!”

It was exactly what Becky needed to overcome another obstacle to recovery.

Becky says she is much more comfortable using the bus now. As a result, she is attending outpatient therapy at POWER New Day to strengthen her recovery from addiction. Research shows that the longer Becky is able to receive treatment, the better her chances for long-term recovery.

Stephanie wasn’t able to shorten the travel time required for Becky to get to treatment. But she did teach her client an important lesson about recovery and life: no matter how long the journey, it’s easier to take with a partner and a plan.

*Name changed to protect client’s privacy.

POWER’s mission is to help women reclaim their lives from addiction and related emotional health issues and improve the well-being of future generations. For POWER New Day Program Manager Rachael Perlick, every word of that is personal.  

After earning her Master’s Degree in Counseling at Slippery Rock University, Rachael spent six years working as a therapist at Gateway Rehab. She discovered her passion for helping people who have substance use disorders. In 2017, intrigued by “the POWER program, working with women, and the supportive trauma environment,” Rachael came to POWER as the clinical supervisor of its outpatient program. She knew, “this is what I am supposed to be doing and where I am supposed to be doing this work.” 

Two years later when she discovered she was expecting her second child, Rachael decided to make another change. 

She moved into a part-time position to have more time for her own family. As a therapist for Perinatal Hope, POWER’s partnership with Allegheny Health Network to provide addiction treatment to pregnant and post-partum women, she worked with women who held their own children’s futures in their hands. 

Rachael knows the difference one woman’s recovery can make on future generations. She’s been in recovery for 16 years. 

“My children have not seen me in active addiction, and that is so impactful in their development.” 

Today, Rachael is the program manager for POWER New Day. She relies on courage and a sense of humor to serve her clients and her colleagues. She also knows that self-care is essential.

“At work, I do the best I can, but when I close that office door, I’m going home to take care of myself and my family.” Her husband Jeff, daughter Harper (5) and son Hudson (3) remind her there is always joy to be found. 

Rachael is dedicated to the women who come to POWER in the midst of a struggle that was once so real for her. She knows there is confidence and strength to be found in recovery, and she is committed to making life better for future generations. Her heart is open, her personality is real, and her commitment is admirable.

This post was based on a profile written by Karen Harris Brooks. Read the full article here.

by Karen Harris Brooks

On June 22, 2020, a young man with a huge smile joined the POWER team as a Data Specialist. Donald Clark came with a desire to make a difference in the world of recovery. Within the year, he was promoted to Program Development Manager.

COO Leslie Slagel had no doubt that Don was perfect for the position and felt “it was a natural fit.” Admitting this position is a “little intimidating,” the new Manager says he is “aware of how much (the previous Program Development Manager) did and how valuable she was.” However, the University of Pittsburgh graduate has never been one to be intimidated by taking control of his own difficult decisions.

Donald dropped out of high school and got his GED at 16. Raised in Columbia, Maryland, the young man with an aptitude for computers went on to attend the John Hopkins Computer Institute. His next stop was Howard Community College to earn an associate degree. Next, the computer whiz found himself at home on Pitt’s campus, achieving a bachelor’s degree in information sciences.

Don’s determination led him on a successful path within corporate America, eventually accepting a position with Jiffy Lube. When he realized he had gone as far as he could in the organization, he decided to seek an opportunity that offered personal fulfillment.

Aware of the addiction that existed within his own family, the POWER job posting sparked a deep interest. Admiring the mission, he found himself interested in this organization that focused on women and their needs. With a desire to help others achieve success, he felt this would be a welcome change in his life.

Coming from a primarily male environment, Don states he felt a welcoming atmosphere from day one. “I was amazed at the number of people who stopped to welcome me.” When asked about the change to a predominantly female work force, Clark stated with that signature smile, “Feelings are valued here. POWER values how you feel about decisions.” Impressed by the actions of POWER’s Administration team, he speaks on personal observations, stating that the “Anti-Racism Task Force is listening to the employees and turning it into action. It is one thing to give lip service, but to actually act on it with the heads of the agency gives everyone a voice. It is hard to empathize if you do not understand. I do not expect perfection. No one is perfect. I want to become more involved with the Task Force once things settle down and I become comfortable in my new position.” Also impressive to the new manager are the All-Agency Meetings which “make sure we are not overly-stressed or burn out.”

When asked if he foresaw any recommended changes, Clark stated he “would like to see more data driven decision-making. We make a lot of decisions on our needs being based around what the county wants. There should be a way to give them what they want and what we want.” After a thoughtful pause, he continues, “I think we are capable of building upon what is already here. Since I have started, so much has changed. With Rosa, we have the opportunity to grow and do what’s different.” He notes that “POWER is never stagnant. I feel I can contribute and grow as the opportunity arises for me to be more hands on. I am not going anywhere. I want to make my impact at POWER.”

The warmth, sincerity and dedication of Donald Clark are indications that he is already making a POWER-ful impact!

by Karen Harris Brooks

No stranger to the non-profit field, Cheryl Werber admits she found the open position at the Pennsylvania Organization of Women in Early Recovery to be one of particular interest. On March 3, 2008, “CC” accepted the position of Executive Administrative Assistant. Small in stature, but by no means small in her contributions to the growth of the POWER organization, she has witnessed the continuing and progressive evolution of the recovery facility. Modestly, she states that “Non-profit jobs were always the types of jobs that I gravitated to.”

That is no surprise to the determined lady who admits that her desire to help others is a gift she inherited from her mother. Werber proudly states that her listening skills enable her to do the work she is doing at POWER. “Being a sounding board, letting people know that someone is listening” is the empathetic gift she brings to the association, as well as her various skills and expertise. “I let people talk through whatever they need to talk through without offering advice.” However, without hesitation, she continues with advice she has learned throughout her employment at POWER. “To employees or those entering the doors” of the organization, CC stresses, “The work takes time. You might not see change immediately. If you are involved with a client and they go away from POWER, you may have planted a seed in them to want them to recover. They may not have received that seed if you had not planted it in them. It’s like a plant…foster it, water it and give it love and sunshine. It takes time for a plant to sprout. Be patient. Be kind and gentle with yourself.”

Getting to know CC is getting to know a remarkably interesting person who has the unique ability to wear many hats. Born in Hawaii to a General Practitioner and a Mechanical Engineer, she grew up as an only child, surrounded by family throughout the islands. Proud of her parents and her Filipino heritage, the small family relocated to Charleston, West Virginia when the young teenager was 13 years old. The capital of West Virginia became CC’s home until she graduated high school and moved to the campus of the University of Pittsburgh where she obtained her Bachelor of Arts. Following her graduation from Pitt, the college student continued her studies at Carlow University, pursuing her Master of Science. It was at Carlow that CC became familiar with the writer’s group, “Mad Women in the Attic,” becoming an active participant after her completed studies. She laughs at herself when she talks about her admiration for poetry and her attempt to write the spoken word. Realizing that poetry was not her forte,’ the devoted essayist found her niche in the world of creative writing.

Her love of writing, a gift she embraced at the young age of eight, is brought to life within the pages of Cheryl’s 90 personal journals. Those journals, undoubtedly, allow her to reflect on her own transformation and growth over the years. Travelling back in time through the chronicles of her existence, she states with a touch of humor, “Many of my memoirs or journal writings involve food and family.” However, as she continues, the fascination of her talent is dominated by her ability to also capture historical facts occurring throughout her circle of life. From the United States invasion of Iraq through the challenge of teenage years to the current pandemic, the confident POWER employee is able to stand on her truth as a witness of her own maturity.

Married for over 16 years, CC and her husband, Steve, not only share a love for animals, but enjoy a renewed interest in the culinary arts. YouTube tv cooking shows sparked an interest that has the couple experimenting with different recipes, including CC’s desire to learn new dishes from her own culture.   

Cheryl Werber is direct, serious, and extremely powerful in her thoughts and feelings. When asked about the racial hatred so prevalent in our society, the Anti-Racism Task Force member, states “There are too many things that have been exposed to push back into a box. Everyone needs to start confronting what’s going on in the world, with themselves, and how they deal with all this injustice. You can’t turn a blind eye and still think you are a good human. We can’t go on where the world treats people of different skin colors differently. It’s going to be uncomfortable, but you are going to have to sit with yourself and sit in that uncomfortableness. It’s going to be hard work. I am on this committee to help bring the change. This change does not happen overnight. There is a lot of stuff we have to process, and I am in it for the long haul.”

CC is also committed to assisting Rosa Davis, Chief Executive Officer. “I love working for Rosa. I have worked with her for 13 years. She is a very empathetic boss and very easy to work for.” One can detect the admiration she feels as she states without reservation, “Rosa has done an amazing job in the time I have been here. POWER is growing by leaps and bounds. We are blessed to have her as CEO. Without her drive and vision, we would be a different organization.”

And there is no doubt that POWER is blessed to have CC. She does not make a lot of noise, but her impact is powerful.

I met Tammy in 2017 when she was referred to POWER Connection. She had recently spent time in jail and her three children were in foster care. Tammy was chronically homeless, her mental health was out of control, and she was looking at having her parental rights terminated.

I worked with Tammy for approximately 2 years, even while she continued to struggle with active addiction. We set goals for getting treatment, stabilizing her mental health, finding safe and affordable housing, and reconnecting her to the 12-step program; but she had many early setbacks. She lost the housing we’d helped her secure and was inconsistent with attendance for mental health treatment.

Finally, Tammy agreed to enter a residential program. When I arrived to pick her up, she had clearly been using all night and I had to take her by the hand to the intake. Tammy went on to finish the program, and we found her safe housing. Shortly after moving into her new apartment, she was granted unsupervised overnight visits with the children. She was going to NA meetings and appeared to be doing well.

Then, Tammy decided to take in her homeless brother, who was in active addiction. Not long after, Tammy relapsed.

As hard as she tried, she could not get it back together. It did not take long before she lost her apartment and was back out on the streets.  In the months that followed, Tammy admitted herself to either psych or rehab a couple times, but homelessness and poor choices kept her stuck in the cycle of relapse. Eventually, Tammy was arrested and sent back to jail for 6 months.

I was required to discharge her from our program, but I encouraged her to call POWER when she was released. 

In June of 2019, Tammy called me from a rehab facility. After discharge, she moved into a ¾ house and I re-enrolled her into POWER Connection. She hadn’t been actively using for almost a year.

This was a changed Tammy; those recovery seeds had taken root. Her mental health was stable and she found support in the rooms of NA again. I could hear the change in her when she talked. Even when Tammy’s parental rights were terminated and the adoptive Family would only agree to bi-annual visits and limited phone calls on holidays and birthdays, a heartbroken Tammy was determined to maintain her recovery.

We had many conversations about how she would cope with the loss of her children. She struggled with shame, guilt and acceptance of losing them. Sadly, after a particularly difficult call with her distraught oldest daughter who was struggling to accept the adoption, Tammy relapsed.

But this time was different. She didn’t continue using and instead reached out for help after just 2 days. She went back to inpatient for a week, saying that “I need to work on building my own supports and learn how to handle getting through these phone calls and visits before I go home.”

“I need to stay clean for my kids, I need to be there to help them adjust, and when they get older and come looking for me, they need to find me clean and sober.”

With her new insight, Tammy moved on to a ¾ house and continued to work on herself and her recovery. As her Mentor, I watered and nurtured those tender recovery sprouts and worked on coping skills with her. Tammy remained at the ¾ house for a little over 6 months before returning to her new home.

Today, Tammy is in a healthy stable relationship, lives in a beautiful home, attends NA meetings 6 x per week, and has a network of close friends, including a tight knit group of women in long-term recovery.  She has Ladies night and couples nights weekly. She has a home group and a sponsor and is actively working the 12 steps for a second time. Tammy is happy, she is a rock for her children, and has learned “the importance of having a plan” to stay supported around her calls and her visits. She has set firmer boundaries with her family and graduated to aftercare and individual therapy. I am currently working with Tammy’s service coordinator to refer her to a Certified Peer Specialist who will continue to support her. We are currently working on a 90-day plan for a successful discharge from POWER Connection.

When asked what POWER and recovery have given her and about her life now, Tammy said, “My self-respect back. I am honest now and people can trust me. I have finally been able to get to a place where I find joy when I hear about the wonderful life my kids are living and gratitude toward their adoptive mother for giving them what I could not for so long.  Even though I only see them twice a year, she sends me photos all the time; we get to talk almost every month. They know I am Mom, they know I love them and they know I am OK. When they get old enough to decide for themselves to have a relationship with me or be with me, I WILL be clean, I WILL be ready. However, if they grow up and decide that is not what they want, I will be ok with that too. I am never going backwards. I love my life now.”

By Karen Harris Brooks

She greets you with a sincerity that is enhanced by her unique warm smile. You immediately recognize her honesty to herself, as well as a kind heart, a giving spirit, and a strong commitment to POWER. POWER Connection has an amazing group of dedicated Mentors, and Lachelle E. is an example of how these women and men go the extra mile.

As an employee of POWER, Lachelle fulfills the passion that embroiders her heart. “My desire to help others comes from God. It is something you have to be born with.” Lachelle has always cared about people and does not hesitate to offer assistance. “I can’t fix everything, but I do not want to see people in pain. I give it all to God; I am a vessel. Some people do not need to be in this field if the heart is not there for this type of work. If you are in it for a paycheck, the work you do is ineffective.”

Admitting the job is not easy and that there are times when the usual calm nature of the young woman is “not upbeat,” she is aware of her need for self-care. “During this pandemic period, I am dealing with all the things that my clients can be feeling from isolation, but I have a program and support system that helps me. I have people that I can talk to in order to stay healthy. I have a very good friend of 25 years, who is also in recovery, and with her I can share my feelings and thoughts. As you know, iron sharpens iron.”

Lachelle has never been a risk-taker, but found herself moving in that direction. Because of her addiction, she faced the loss of a very good job, as well as her pension. With 6 months of sobriety under her belt, the Cleveland native decided to ensure her own recovery success by taking a risk and starting anew. Lachelle left family and headed for the City of Three Rivers. She had no place to stay and only knew a few people she had met through attending recovery conventions. Staying in homeless shelters and sleeping on friends’ couches, she eventually found a place at Bridges in McKeesport, where she stayed for 1 ½ years. While she admits it was not easy, her determination to reach back to help others on the recovery road provided the encouragement for her own continued success.

The conscientious Mentor is proud of the fact that she made the decision to make Pittsburgh her home. “Pittsburgh has been a place where I have been able to grow up. There is a great recovery culture” within the confines of this city. The Certified Peer Specialist is also proud of her move to POWER as she continues to work relentlessly within the recovery community.

Today, Lachelle finds herself taking more risks as she becomes more in tuned to the culture of POWER. Her passion to “see people find their healing” causes her to go above and beyond. Recently, one of her clients had all her food stolen. With no money and no food, the distraught client turned to Lachelle. Based on the advice of a co-worker, POWER headed to the Food Bank. Armed with her POWER identification badge, she was able to bypass the lines, go directly to the distributors and, with her client’s consent, was able to obtain food for the appreciative woman. Lachelle has learned that some risks do lead to success, and today she no longer hesitates to step outside of her comfort zone.

“I live a lifestyle of recovery. I have my history, but I know that through faith, we can overcome and find positive value in life. I have had ups and downs, but seeking self-harm activities is not something I choose to do these days. I feel like I got to the other side through prayer, sharing, and applying spiritual principles. I want to see people in life find their healing. Looking at my previous life, I’ve been blessed, and I carry a message of healing. We can treat people like we want to be treated with respect, love and kindness. By doing so, we can see people reach their healing and find the courage to reach back. I want to see some generational curses broken. We have so much information, experience, and years of knowledge. That is where the wisdom comes. I just want to continue to be a part of other people’s healing process. Seeing humanity overcome different things, emotionally and mentally, through spirituality and the kindness of people, moves me. I want people to get to know the difference…the good part of life. That is my passion. I want to show others, through my own experience, that this does work if you are honest with yourself. To Thyself Be True.”